If one desires to become a Buddhist, there is actually no initiation ceremony which one must undergo and there are no special ceremonies which one must attend. If one strives to understand the Buddha's teachings and strives to follow it then one is a Buddhist. Due to the very nature of Buddhist practice, there can be no governing bodies, or authorities who decide who is and who isn’t a Buddhist.

Generally however, according to tradition, one is considered a Buddhist when one vows to uphold certain precepts (kai 戒). There are numerous variations on the types of precepts which are followed by different Buddhist traditions. Mukyõhõ Buddhist practice adheres to the Bodhisattva Precepts (bosatsukai 菩薩戒). The vow to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts represents a personal commitment to follow the teachings of the Buddha.

A person may decide to show their personal commitment by vowing to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts at any time they wish and it is entirely free. There is nothing one needs to purchase and there is nothing one needs to supply. Nor is there any special ceremony or special sign that one has done so.

The vow to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts is a commitment that leads to transcendence of the personal ego, an important change in personal values. This decisive act sets the individual on the path to searching for truth. A Buddhist strives always to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts.

Those who take the vow to uphold the Bodhisattva Precepts in Mukyõhõ are known as Bodhisattva monks (bosatsusõ 菩薩僧). The Bodhisattva Precepts are regarded as the foundation of the life of a Mukyõhõ Bodhisattva monk. Bodhisattva monks may at this time take a new Japanese Dharma name to signify their commitment and spiritual journey if they wish. A Dharma name signifies ones belonging to the sangha and spiritual renewal. Bodhisattva monks may choose to wear traditional black Dharma robes (hoi 法衣) if they wish to remind them of their commitment, but this is certainly not a requirement. One may also shave their head in the tradition of Buddhism, but this is also an individual choice and is not a requirement.

The Bodhisattva Precepts (bosatsukai 菩薩戒) are divided into three.

The Three Treasures Precepts (sanbõkai 三宝戒).

To the Buddha, for a guaranteed way of gaining, I go (namu kie butsu 南無歸依仏)
To the Dharma, for a guaranteed way of gaining, I go (namu kie hõ 南無歸依法)
To the Sangha, for a guaranteed way of gaining, I go (namu kie sõ 南無歸依僧)

The Threefold Pure Precepts (sanjujõkai 三聚浄戒):

In all circumstances I will embrace and sustain correct conduct. (shõritsugikai 摂津儀戒)
In all circumstances I will observe the teachings of the Dharma. (shõzenpõkai 摂善法戒)
I will perform all acts for the benefit of all beings in loving kindness. (shõshujõkai 摂衆生戒)

The Ten Major Precepts (jujukai 十重戒):

I undertake to abstain from killing living beings.
I undertake to abstain from taking that which is not given.
I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake to abstain from false speech.
I undertake to abstain from excessive use of substances that cloud the mind.
I undertake to abstain from pointing out the faults of others.
I undertake to abstain from self-praise and the blaming of others.
I undertake to abstain from giving charity resentfully.
I undertake to abstain from harbouring anger or ill will toward others.
I undertake to abstain from speaking of the teachings negatively.

The underlying principle is non-exploitation of yourself or others. The Bodhisattva Precepts are the foundation of all Buddhist training. With a developed ethical base, much of the emotional conflict and stress that we experience is resolved, allowing commitment and more conscious choice. Free choice and intention is important. The Bodhisattva Precepts are not commands or fixed rules. It is “I undertake” not “do not.”

There are no matters of “sin” in Buddhism, so breaking one of the precepts is not a “sin” and there can be no punishment from imaginary supernatural forces. The Bodhisattva Precepts are general guidelines to be followed in order to uphold good relations with our fellow human beings.